8 Ways For A Programmer To Stay Sane

Being a web programmer is hard work. Long hours, coupled with the fact that we're presented with nothing but problems, can make our job unbearable. Not to mention deadlines and unreasonable customers. Oh, and the fact that we're all casualties of the never-ending browser wars.

So why do we do what we do? We love programming. We love creating functional, virtual worlds where people can get information, post pictures, and meet people. We love taking a given set of rules and bending them to their limits. We love that we can post a collection of code that can some day be a money-making powerhouse like Facebook or Digg.

With all of the rewards that come from being a programmer, the job can still be overwhelming. Dealing with the stress that our job creates is an important skill. I've compiled a list of ways for you, as a programmer, to keep your sanity.

Know When To Step Away

Programmers, in general, are obsessive, detailed-oriented people. We don't like admitting defeat and we tend to not step away when we are frustrated. The best thing to do when you've spent a long period of time working on one problem is to step away. Clear your mind. Take a walk. Come back to your desk when you've cooled down.

Go Out For Lunch…

I used eat lunch at my computer every day — I'd check out my favorite websites and send a few personal emails. Once more and more customers knew me, I'd get inundated with phone call after phone call during lunch and soon I didn't have ANY time during the day to myself. Don't let your lunch hour become another hour of work! Get away from your desk for lunch!

…But Eat Healthy

A healthy body is a healthy mind. It's much easier to grab a quick donut or candy bar when at the desk, but take a quick break and eat something healthy. Try a small salad, a granola bar, or good old peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Eating poorly can make a person feel weighed down or even depressed (I tell my coworkers that my self-esteem is low when I eat at McDonald's). I suggest eating a healthy sub sandwich — it will fill you up, give you the nutrients you need, and not make you feel tired or ill.

Ignore Your Home Computer

After a frustrating day at work, stay off of your home computer — your personal programming can wait another day. Your personal programming could become more frustrating than your work problems, and that's not what you need. Let it go for the night.

Get Another Non-Tech Hobby / Exercise

Having passions other than computer-related hobbies is ideal. Performing physical activities is even better, as it will help you stay in shape. Too often I hear other programmers speak about nothing but computer-related topics — get out of the programming world once in a while! Find another hobby! Learn how to cook. Start playing chess. Do puzzles. Play soccer.

Spend Time With Friends

Friends are generally low maintenance and have interests other than computer-related topics. Schedule a weekend event with your friends. Get together for a barbecue, go to a movie, play video games, go to the football game, or have a night out on the town. Instant messaging your buddies doesn't count!

Take Your Vacation

When things get tough at work, don't be afraid to use your vacation — it could save you from outright quitting when work is overbearing. You don't have to go on an exotic vacation or a cruise; hell, stay home if you want. The point of the vacation is to focus on not working.

Know If Programming Isn't Right For You

If you're losing your mind on a consistent basis and your job is affecting your family, health, or sanity, it may be time to stop. There are other jobs out there — maybe you'd be better off with another career. Just know that programming isn't everything and you don't have to suffer because of your job.

程序员保持身心健康的八种方式

程序员是一个辛苦的行业，长时间面对的只是需要解决的问题，更不要提开发期限和无理取闹的客户了，这样的工作简直无以承受。怎么办呢我们？我们热爱编程，乐于创建功能……我们喜欢那种将一堆代码弄成像Facebook或者Digg那样的赚钱工具的感觉。

       也正由于程序员所带给我们的一切，这工作仍让我们欲罢不能。这种情况下，如何处理工作带来的压力便成了一项技巧。以下分享我的一些方式，以保持你的身心健康。

懂得何时走开

       一般来说程序员大多有定力、做事有条理。我们不愿意承认失败，当不顺时我们也不愿走开。但当你已在一个问题上花费了太长时间的时候，最好的选择是走开，清醒头脑。出去走两步，等你平静下来（不再急躁）再回到办公桌上。

出去吃午餐……

       以前我习惯每天在电脑前吃饭——我会浏览我常去的网页、发几封个人电邮。当越来越多的客户认识我之后，我的午餐时间被一个接一个的电话打断，我也不再有我自己的时间。不要让你的午餐时间成为另一种形式的工作时间！离开办公桌出去吃饭。

……但要吃的健康

       健康的身体健康的头脑。在桌上吃点甜甜圈什么的（指快餐）确实很方便，但休息一下吃得健康点。吃得很单调不营养会让人觉得忧虑甚至沮丧（我觉得在麦当劳吃快餐自尊心会很低）。我建议吃得营养丰富——这会让你充实，而且给你足够的营养，从而不会觉得累或虚弱。

忘掉家庭电脑

       度过焦头烂额的一天，远离你的家庭电脑——你的个人编程可以等到第二天。而且你个人的编程会比工作问题更让你抓狂，那显然不是你应当要的。就好好度过晚上吧。

一个非技术的兴趣/锻炼

       最好是对非电脑相关的爱好有激情。身体锻炼更好，能让你保持体形。我经常听到许多程序员句句不离电脑有关的话题——暂时离开编程的圈子吧！找个其他兴趣！学做饭、玩棋牌、足球……

抽点时间跟朋友一起

       朋友通常是兴趣广泛远不仅限于电脑的。安排个周末跟朋友一起，一起去野外烧烤、看电影、玩电子游戏、踢足球、或者只是一起走走。光发条信息可不算！

休假

       当工作上的一切都变得很不顺的时候，不要担心使用你的假期——它将使你彻底远离无法承受的工作。你不必去国外度假也不必旅行，如果你愿意待在家里也没关系。休假的关键是不工作。

考虑编程是否适合你